Cocoa Seedling Cultivation (Theobroma Cacao) Using Bokashi Fertilizer Media as an Environmentally Friendly Solution

This community service project, conducted in Bugel Hamlet, Karangrejo Village, focuses on improving cocoa cultivation through the use of bokashi fertilizer as an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers. Utilizing the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, which empowers local communities by leveraging their existing resources, the project involved observation, interviews, and field studies. Bokashi fertilizer, made by fermenting organic materials such as animal manure, rice bran, and husk charcoal with EM4 and molasses, was introduced to improve soil fertility and enhance cocoa seedling growth. Results showed that bokashi fertilizer positively impacted soil health, increased cocoa farm productivity, and fostered a better balance of soil microorganisms compared to chemical fertilizers. The project not only demonstrated the benefits of sustainable agriculture but also empowered local farmers by providing them with a viable, eco-friendly solution for enhancing cocoa farming. Ultimately, the use of bokashi fertilizer in Bugel Hamlet has the potential to increase cocoa productivity, contribute to local economic growth, and promote long-term environmental sustainability.